Special Needs Trusts provide ongoing financial security for individuals with disabilities while preserving eligibility for programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. A well-drafted trust can prevent unintended disqualifications, reduce family stress, and provide funds for ongoing care, housing, education, and enrichment activities. Proper planning also helps families maintain control over assets during emergencies and transition to future generations.
A unified plan provides ongoing oversight, reducing the risk of mismanagement and ensuring beneficiaries receive timely support. It also creates a roadmap for future trustees, updates, and governance that persists through life changes.
Our firm specializes in estate planning and probate with a focus on Special Needs Trusts. We provide practical, results-oriented counsel, coordinate with care teams, and help families create durable plans that address current and future needs in Maryland.
We schedule periodic updates to reflect changes in law, family goals, or care requirements. Adjustments preserve benefit eligibility and ensure the trust continues to serve the beneficiary effectively.
A Special Needs Trust is a legal tool that holds assets for a beneficiary with a disability while preserving eligibility for needs-based benefits. It allows funds to be used for supplemental items beyond basic support, without disqualifying essential programs. Beneficiaries may include adults or children, funded by family or third parties, with careful drafting to meet program rules and ensure smooth administration.
A Special Needs Trust coordinates with government benefits by ensuring distributions do not interfere with eligibility for programs like Medicaid or SSI. Funds are typically used to cover gaps in care, therapy, or enrichment activities, while keeping core benefits intact. Proper administration minimizes risk and supports long-term financial security for the beneficiary.
The trustee should be someone capable of careful financial management, clear communication, and diligent record-keeping. Funding is typically handled through transfers of assets into the trust, with ongoing management of distributions according to the trust terms. Selecting a trustee who understands public benefits and care coordination is essential for success.
Common mistakes include mismanaging funding, failing to coordinate with benefits programs, and poorly defining trustee duties. Inadequate planning can lead to benefit loss or insufficient resources for care. A well-drafted trust with clear terms and regular reviews helps prevent these issues.
Yes. A special needs trust can serve multiple beneficiaries if appropriately structured, though each beneficiary’s needs and benefits must be considered. Careful drafting ensures distributions are allocated fairly and maintains eligibility for all involved programs.
The setup timeline varies with complexity and funding, but most initial plans can be prepared within a few weeks to a couple of months. Funding transfers, document execution, and trustee onboarding may extend the timeline, depending on asset sources and coordinating parties.
Ongoing responsibilities include managing distributions, keeping records, filing any required accounts, and coordinating with care providers. Trustees should communicate regularly with family members, beneficiaries, and professionals to ensure the trust continues to meet its goals and comply with laws.
Costs include attorney fees for drafting and setup, potential filing or court costs, and any ongoing administrative fees. Some plans permit bundled pricing, while others bill hourly. We strive for transparent pricing and clear explanations of anticipated expenses up front.
Yes. Maryland residents can establish first-party special needs trusts under specific rules, often with a payback provision to state programs after the beneficiary’s death. Proper drafting ensures eligibility remains intact while safeguarding the beneficiary’s long-term needs.
To begin, contact a Fort Meade attorney who specializes in Special Needs Trusts and estate planning. We offer an initial consultation to discuss goals, gather information, and outline next steps. From there, we draft terms, plan funding, and implement a process for ongoing support.
